TRACY — Becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States is a long, complex journey. And while the federal government may appear to have thrown up numerous roadblocks on the path toward citizenship, it also provides many free resources to help immigrants achieve their goal.

“My job is to reach out and help you with the issues and problems you are facing. That communication goes both ways. I’ll show you how to apply for citizenship so you don’t become overwhelmed by the process,” said Sai Chang, a community relations officer based in Sacramento for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

On Monday, Chang addressed a small but attentive group of immigrants at the Tracy Public Library. She conducts about 10 outreach events every month in her 33-county district covering inland Northern and Central California.

In 2013, Chang’s agency issued roughly 1 million green cards granting legal permanent residency to immigrants. And approximately 779,000 people took the oath to become naturalized citizens. Currently, the largest group of immigrants residing here is from Asia.

“There are 8.8 million people now in the country eligible to apply for citizenship, but for many reasons they don’t. Part of it is fear, and that is part of my job to educate them,” Chang said.

There are many reasons to become a naturalized citizen. First and foremost, she said, is to be able to vote. Also, a citizen travels on a U.S. passport, can run for elective office, work for the U.S. government and serve on a jury.

Also as a naturalized citizen, you can upgrade family petitions from three categories to six, meaning you can help a broader range of family members to immigrate, such as siblings and parents.

You must study to become a citizen. You will be tested in your ability to read, write and understand English, and you will be quizzed on your civics knowledge covering U.S. history and government. There are 100 questions on the test, of which you will be asked 10 and have to correctly answer six.

“You get two chances to pass the naturalization test. If you fail, then you must start the process over,” Chang said.

The government charges $680 for fingerprinting and the 21-page N-400 application that is administered online. Some fees are waived in specific circumstances, such as military service.

Chang also emphasized that immigration fraud is a real and present threat.

“The immigrant population is extremely vulnerable to scams. If you need outside help, only use an immigration attorney or (Board of Immigration Appeals)-certified representative. They have to work for a nonprofit organization. They are allowed to hand out legal advice,” she said.

“Notaries and consultants, they are the last people you want to go to. They cannot give legal advice. They must have a sign posted saying they are not attorneys, and they must be bonded,” Chang said, adding that they should also provide you with a written contract.

Contact reporter Joe Goldeen at (209) 546-8278 or jgoldeen@recordnet.com. Follow him at recordnet.com/goldeenblog and on Twitter @JoeGoldeen.